Guided tours of Bridgnorth to follow in the footsteps of stalwart historian

Guided tours of the sights and history of Bridgnorth are to restart this weekend, following in the footsteps of a former historian who died last year.

For decades Derek Crockson worked as the town’s official tour guide until he retired around six years ago, leaving the town without an official tour guide.

Following his death last year, Bridgnorth Civic Society (BCS) launched a series of guided tours in the town, which proved popular.

Now the group is set to restart the tours for the summer, with the first taking place this Saturday (May 23).

Chair of BCS John Hart said the walk this Saturday will begin at 2.30pm from the library, where they can also be booked.

He said: “This will be our second year of operation. We follow an itinerary established by Derek Crockson, the former town guide.

“Because the High Street is so busy and noisy on a Saturday, the standard tour is of the castle area – the inner and outer bailies of the original town, although we can do tours of the High Street area and of the ‘port’ area if asked.

“We give information on buildings of interest and as much of Bridgnorth’s rich history as we feel people can take.

“The walks from the library last about an hour and are on the flat, so are friendly to those with limited mobility.

“We aim to give visitors and residents alike an interesting insight into the town’s history with highlights including the castle and the cliff railway.”

Residents and visitors can book a tour through the library (01746 763358) where a guide will start the one-hour tour at 2.30pm every Saturday.